🧂 Ditch the Salt Shaker: My DIY Low-Sodium Beef Bouillon Secret!

The holidays are just around the corner, which means my kitchen is about to go into full-throttle cooking mode. From savory gravies to rich stews and comforting casseroles, my recipes demand deep, savory flavor. And what is the secret weapon for all of that? Bouillon!

But this year, I hit a massive snag. Have you noticed how incredibly difficult it’s becoming to find those big containers of beef bouillon powder as we get closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas? Every grocery store trip ended in disappointment—I'm stuck either opening dozens of little packets or just having empty shelves.

I was getting seriously frustrated. I’m The LoSo Gal—I can’t let a lack of stock (pun intended!) stop my low-sodium cooking mission! Not only that, but store-bought bouillon is a notorious sodium bomb, even the "reduced sodium" versions.

That's when I decided: I'll just make my own!

The Birth of a Low-Sodium Flavor Powerhouse

I knew I needed a blend that would replicate the deep, rich, and intensely savory umami that beef bouillon provides, but without the actual meat (which often comes pre-salted or with questionable additives) and, crucially, without adding any salt myself.

What I ended up with is a game-changer. It’s 100% sodium-free, and while it doesn't contain beef, the combination of spices and herbs creates such a complex flavor profile that it enhances the umami in whatever dish you’re using it in—truly giving you that "beefy" essence. It’s perfect for those of us on a low-sodium diet looking for an easy, cost-effective, and delicious flavor boost.

Ready to kiss those salty store-bought cubes goodbye? Let’s mix this up!

🍽️ The LoSo Gal’s DIY Sodium-Free “Beef” Bouillon Recipe

This recipe is designed to be a concentrated flavor bomb. It requires no cooking—just measuring and mixing!

Glass jar with DIY Bouillon Mix

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup dry ground mustard

• 1/3 cup smoked paprika (The smoke is key for depth!)

• 1/3 cup garlic powder

• 1/4 cup onion powder

• 1/4 cup chili powder

• 1 tablespoon celery seed

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (whole leaf, not ground)

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Measure: Measure all of the dry ingredients into a medium-sized bowl.

2. Mix: Whisk vigorously until all the spices and herbs are uniformly combined. The color should be a rich, consistent reddish-brown with flecks of green herbs.

3. Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or glass jar. Store in a cool, dark place.

Yields: Approximately 2 cups of seasoning.

The LoSo Gal’s Tip: This blend is very concentrated! I typically use 1-2 teaspoons per 1 cup of liquid when making a broth or adding it to a stew. Taste as you go—you can always add more! The whole herbs will soften and infuse as your dish simmers.

Why This Works for a Low-Sodium Lifestyle

• Dry Mustard & Celery Seed: These ingredients are savory enhancers that add pungency and depth without relying on salt.

• Smoked Paprika: This is the secret weapon. The smoky flavor tricks your brain into tasting a deep, slow-cooked richness that perfectly mimics a long-simmered broth.

• Oregano & Thyme: These classic herbs are essential for building a complex, earthy background flavor often found in beef stews and stocks.

This DIY blend is my new go-to for adding maximum flavor with zero sodium. Stop worrying about those empty bouillon shelves and start prepping for your healthiest, most delicious holiday season yet!

How Will You Use Your Homemade Low-Sodium Bouillon?

Are you making a low-sodium French onion soup? A savory stuffing? Let me know in the comments how you plan to use this salt-free bouillon mix!

Would you like me to share a recipe for a low-sodium gravy that uses this homemade bouillon blend?